JP2007228697A - Energy saving system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an energy-saving support system which further accelerates energy saving effect by remotecontrolling an electric apparatus, for an energy consumer who has a remotecontrollable electric apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: A surplus power monitoring means 6 confirms the generation of surplus power, based on each kind of information from an energy supply form 2, and computes this surplus power value when the generation of surplus power is confirmed, and gives it to a control means 8. On the other hand, the operator sets the automatic operation approval time zone or the disapproval time zone of remotecontrollable electric apparatuses by operating a preservation means 7, and the setting content is given to the control means 8. The control means 8 selects an electric apparatus suitable consume the surplus power value from among the electric apparatuses whose operation is approved, and provides automatic operation instruction. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an energy-saving support system that has a combined heat and power distributed power generation system and provides energy-saving support to energy consumers who are supplied with electric power from the outside.

  Conventionally, an electronic device having a function of measuring current power consumption and displaying the measured consumption so that the consumer can visually confirm the energy consumption for the purpose of raising energy-consciousness for energy consumers. An electric energy meter is provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-180934 A

  According to the watt-hour meter described in Patent Literature 1, each consumer can obtain an effect of raising awareness of reducing power consumption when the amount of consumption is large by checking the current power consumption. .

  However, since the watt-hour meter described in Patent Document 1 only displays the amount of power consumption, whether or not the energy saving effect by introducing the watt-hour meter appears is merely the energy of the energy consumer. Depends on consumption behavior.

  By the way, in recent years, network-compatible electric devices based on standards such as ECHONET (registered trademark) or JEMA (registered trademark) have been developed or put into practical use, and the electric devices are remotely controlled via an electric communication line. This is a possible configuration.

  The present invention provides an energy saving support system intended to further promote the energy saving effect by performing remote control on the electric appliance for the energy consumer having the electric appliance capable of being remotely controlled. Objective.

  In order to achieve the above object, an energy saving support system according to the present invention has an energy saving support for an energy consumer having a cogeneration and distributed power generation system and receiving power from the outside. A surplus power monitoring means for monitoring the presence of surplus power in the power generated by the distributed power generation system; a control means for controlling operation of the electrical equipment via a telecommunication line; and automatic operation of the electrical equipment A reservation unit capable of setting a permitted time zone or an automatic driving non-permitted time zone by an operator, and when the surplus power is present, the control unit has the first information on the magnitude of the surplus power as described above. It is given by the surplus power monitoring means and relates to the automatic driving permission time zone or the automatic driving disapproval time zone set by the operator 2 information is given from the reservation means, and based on the time when the surplus power is confirmed, the first information, and the second information, the operation instruction is given to the electric device. Features.

  The control means searches based on the second information for an electric device that is allowed to operate at the time when the surplus power monitoring means confirms the occurrence of surplus power, and further, the surplus described in the first information Select an electrical device that gives operating instructions according to the magnitude of power. At this time, the target time to be compared with the automatic driving permission time zone may be a time when the first information is given to the control means, and a predetermined minute time (strictly, the first information is given from that time). The time required until the operation instruction is given to the target electrical device) may be delayed.

  According to the first characteristic configuration, when the presence of surplus power is confirmed, an electric device capable of consuming the surplus power is automatically selected, and an operation instruction is issued to the selected device. As a result, the surplus power can be effectively utilized and the energy saving effect can be promoted. Furthermore, at this time, by setting an operation permission time zone or an operation non-permission time zone in advance for each electric device, the control means corresponds to the operation permission time zone according to the set contents. An operation instruction can be given only to the device, and inconvenience due to automatic operation can be solved.

  Further, in the energy saving support system according to the present invention, in addition to the first characteristic configuration, the reservation unit individually sets the automatic operation permission time zone or the automatic operation disabling for each of the plurality of electric devices. A second feature is that the permitted time zone can be set.

  According to the second feature configuration, since the operation permission time zone or the operation non-permission time zone can be set for each device, for example, a washing and drying machine in which noise and vibration are expected by driving is provided. Automatic operation setting according to the operation characteristics of each device, such as disallowing automatic operation at midnight, becomes possible.

  Further, in the energy saving support system according to the present invention, in addition to the first or second feature configuration, the reservation unit sets the automatic driving permission time zone or the automatic driving non-permission time zone for each day and each day of the week. Or a configuration that can be set for each weekday / holiday.

  According to the third characteristic configuration, it is possible to set an automatic driving permission time zone or an automatic driving non-permission time zone according to each operator's life pattern. In particular, weekday life patterns and holiday life patterns are often very different, and daily life patterns are similar between weekdays and holidays. By adopting the configuration, it is not necessary to make a setting every day, and convenience is high. In addition, by adopting a configuration in which settings can be made manually every day, it is possible to further make settings that match the life patterns of each operator.

  The energy saving support system according to the present invention is characterized in that, in addition to any one of the first to third feature configurations described above, the reservation unit performs a past operation performed on the electric device by the control unit. A fourth feature is that the instruction history can be displayed.

  According to the fourth feature configuration, since the operator can set the automatic driving permission time zone or the automatic driving non-permission time zone while checking the past driving instruction history, the setting according to his / her life pattern Is possible.

  The energy saving support system according to the present invention may be configured such that, in addition to any one of the first to fourth feature configurations, the control means includes the second information provided by the reservation means and the control means. The power consumption value of the controllable electrical device is stored, and when the first information is given from the surplus power monitoring means, the second information is read out and the surplus power described in the first information is stored. The electrical device that can be operated in an existing time zone is selected, and the power consumption of the selected electrical device does not exceed the amount of the surplus power described in the first information. A fifth feature is that an operation instruction is given to the device to operate in a time zone in which the surplus power described in the first information exists.

  According to the fifth feature configuration, since the electric device showing the power consumption that does not exceed the magnitude of the surplus power value is automatically selected, the electric device that consumes the surplus power value that is generated is automatically selected. Therefore, necessary and sufficient control is possible.

  Moreover, the energy saving support system according to the present invention stores, in addition to any one of the first to fifth characteristic configurations, a past driving instruction history given to the electric device by the control means. This is the sixth feature.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, when the presence of surplus power is confirmed, an electrical device that can consume the surplus power is automatically selected, and an operation instruction is issued to the selected device. Thus, the surplus power can be effectively used, and the energy saving effect can be promoted. In particular, for each electrical device, the operator can set the operation permission time zone or the operation non-permission time zone in advance, so that the control means can control the device corresponding to the operation permission time zone according to the set content. Driving instructions can be given only, and inconveniences due to automatic driving can be eliminated.

  In the following, an embodiment of an energy saving support system according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “the present system” as appropriate) will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The system of the present invention is an energy saving support system that has a cogeneration and distributed power generation system and provides energy saving support to an energy consumer who is supplied with electric power from the outside. When energy consumers have remote-controllable electrical equipment, when the presence of surplus power in the generated power of the distributed power generation system is recognized, the electrical equipment is automatically operated during the time zone when the surplus power is generated. Thus, it has an effect of effectively utilizing surplus power. Further, the energy consumer can set in advance whether or not to operate the electric device even in a time zone in which surplus power is generated.

  First, in the following, an energy supply form of an energy consumer, which is a target of introduction of the system of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the system of the present invention and a schematic configuration of an energy supply form that is a subject of introduction of the system of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 of the present invention includes a surplus power monitoring unit 6, a reservation unit 7, and a control unit 8. In addition, the energy supply form 2 of the energy consumer to which the system 1 of the present invention is introduced is a form in which electric power is supplied from the power system 11 and city gas is supplied from the gas system 13, and power generation is performed using city gas as fuel. A configuration in which a distributed gas engine power generation system (hereinafter, abbreviated as “distributed power source”) 12 is provided, and both the power generated by the distributed power source 12 and the heat generated during power generation can be used ( Combined heat and power system). Moreover, this energy supply form 2 is configured to include a heat exchanger 14, a heat storage tank 15, a burner 16, and an electric heater 17.

  Heat generated by the power generation by the distributed power source 12 is stored as hot water in the heat storage tank 15 via the heat exchanger 14. The heat storage tank 15 stores the city gas from the gas system 13 to the burner 16 and also stores heat generated by burning the city gas by the burner 16. Furthermore, the heat storage tank 15 has an electric heater 17 therein, and when surplus power (explained about surplus power will be described later) is generated, the heater is heated by supplying power to the electric heater. Thus, heat is stored in the heat storage tank 15.

  In addition, the energy consumer has a power load 3 composed of electric devices (hereinafter simply referred to as “devices”) 3a, 3b,..., A gas consuming device 4, a hot water supply load 5a, and a hot water heating load 5b. And a power load 11 is supplied from the power system 11 and the distributed power source 12 to the power load 3, and the heat generated from the distributed power source 12, the burner 16, and the electric heater 17. High-temperature water in which the generated heat is stored in the heat storage tank 15 is supplied to the heat load 15, and gas is supplied from the gas system 13 to the gas consuming device 4. Each of the devices 3a, 3b,... Is a network-compatible device based on a standard such as ECHONET (registered trademark) or JEMA (registered trademark), and has a configuration that can be controlled based on an external signal. At this time, it is not necessary for all devices constituting the power load 3 to be controllable based on an external signal, as long as some devices can be controlled based on an external signal. In FIG. 1, the heat source supplied to the heat load 5 is shown to be covered by hot water from the heat storage tank 15, but backup when the hot water stored in the heat storage tank 15 is depleted. For this purpose, it may be configured to be able to supply hot water in which low-temperature water supplied from a water supply source is heated by the burner 16 or the like.

  The surplus power monitoring means 6 acquires predetermined information from the energy supply form 2, recognizes the occurrence of surplus power, and calculates the surplus power amount. Information (hereinafter referred to as “first information”) relating to the calculated amount of surplus power is given to the control means 8. The surplus power recognition method performed by the surplus power monitoring means 6 will be described later.

  The control means 8 is configured to be able to output a signal that satisfies the standards such as ECHONET or JEMA. In addition, it is assumed that the telecommunication line connecting the control means 8 and each device has a configuration capable of transmitting a control signal satisfying the above standard.

  The reservation unit 7 is configured to be operable by an operator, and includes, for example, a display unit such as a liquid crystal display, an operation reception unit such as a touch panel, and a storage unit (each unit is not shown in FIG. 1). The A list of devices that can be remotely controlled is registered in advance in the reservation unit 7, and the operator can check the device list with the display unit. In the following description, it is assumed that there are a plurality of devices that can be remotely controlled. However, the system of the present invention can be used in the same manner even when only one device exists.

  The operator confirms the display means of the reservation means 7, displays a list of devices that can be remotely controlled, and sets an automatic operation permission time zone or an automatic operation non-permission time zone for each device. At this time, the operation history information (information related to the operation time zone operated by remote control) and the setting history information (automatic operation permission time zone set in the past or automatic operation non-permission time) for each device are stored in the storage means of the reservation means 7. Information on the belt) is stored, and the history information can be confirmed. In this case, the operator can newly set an operation permission / non-permission time zone while confirming past setting history information and operation history information for each device. A specific setting method in which the operator sets the operation permission / non-permission time zone for each device by operating the reservation unit 7 will be described later. Further, it is assumed that the operator can set an operation permission / non-permission time zone for each device over a predetermined period in the future (for example, one month) from the time when the reservation unit 7 is operated.

  When the operator operates the reservation unit 7 to set an operation permission / non-permission time zone for each device, the setting content is given to the control unit 8. In the following, information on the operation permission time zone or the operation non-permission time zone for each device set by the operator is referred to as “second information”. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 8 is configured to receive the first information from the surplus power monitoring unit 6 and the second information from the reservation unit 7.

  When the second information is given from the reservation means 7, the control means 8 stores the information in an internal storage means (not shown). At this time, the content of the second information already stored may be overwritten.

  When the first information is given from the surplus power monitoring means 6 while the content of the second information is stored in the storage means, the control means first recognizes the surplus power generation time zone described in the first information. At the same time, the second information is read from the storage means, and a device for which operation permission is given in the time zone is searched. If the corresponding device exists, a device whose power consumption of the device is lower than the estimated surplus power amount described in the first information is further searched. When there is a corresponding device (hereinafter referred to as “control target device”), the control means 8 gives an operation instruction so that the corresponding device operates during the surplus power generation time zone, When there is no target device, no operation instruction is given to each device.

  When there are a plurality of control target devices, the control target devices may be selected according to the priority given to all the pre-registered devices. In this case, if the value obtained by subtracting the power consumption amount of the selected control target device from the surplus power amount is positive, the total power consumption amount of the selected control target device exceeds the surplus power amount value. In a range that does not exist, the control target devices may be sequentially selected in descending order of priority.

  In this way, the control target device to which the operation instruction is given by the control means 8 automatically starts operation when the corresponding time zone is reached. At this time, the operation start time is given from the control means 8, and the operation may be automatically started on the control target device side at that time. The operation instruction may be given, and the control target device may acquire the operation instruction and start the operation.

  Information about the control target device determined by the control means 8 and its time zone (corresponding to the “operation history information”) are stored in the storage means in the control means 8. This information may be updated sequentially. As described above, when the information is given and displayed in the reservation means 7, the operator can set the operation permitted / denied time zone for each device while checking the past control contents. Can do.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of a list of remotely controllable devices stored in the storage means in the control means 8. The electric device name, power consumption, operation month, and priority are registered as a data table. For example, in the case of a washing machine, the priority is the highest, a driving reservation can be made anytime regardless of the month, and the power consumption is 300 W. However, as described above, when the automatic operation disapproval time zone is set in advance by the operator operating the reservation means 7, it is not possible to make a driving reservation during the time zone. In addition, since it is necessary to switch between the cooling operation and the heating operation depending on the season, the air conditioner is registered to perform the cooling operation for June to September and the heating operation for 11 to March in the example of FIG. ing.

  In FIG. 2, a device identification ID, which is a unique number, is assigned to each device, and a display device name is separately registered as a name when displayed on the reservation unit 7.

  Next, the procedure for the operator to set the automatic driving permission time zone or the automatic driving non-permission time zone using the reservation unit 7 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the following example, the operator sets the automatic operation permission time zone for each device using the reservation means 7, and the time zone that is not set is set as the automatic operation disapproval time zone. However, on the contrary, the operator sets the automatic operation disapproval time zone for each device using the reservation means 7 and the time zone that is not set. May be given to the control means 8 by setting the second information on the assumption that it is an automatic driving permission time zone.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the reservation unit 7. As shown in FIG. 3, the reservation unit 7 includes an operation reception unit 21, a display unit 22, a control unit 23, and a transmission / reception unit 24.

  When the operation receiving unit 21 receives input information operated by the operator, the operation receiving unit 21 transmits the input information to the control unit 23. When the reservation unit 7 is configured by a touch panel, the touch panel corresponds to the operation accepting unit 21, and when the operation content of the operator's touch pen or the like is recognized, input information corresponding to the operation content is given to the control unit 23. It is. The operation receiving means 21 may be configured with a keyboard, a mouse, or the like.

  The display means 22 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or the like, and is configured so that an operator can visually recognize the information by displaying predetermined information.

  The control unit 23 includes a storage unit inside and is configured to receive predetermined information from the operation reception unit 21 and the transmission / reception unit 24.

  The transmission / reception unit 24 is configured to transmit the second information given from the control unit 23 to the control unit 8 and to receive the operation history information of the device from the control unit 8.

  The operator sets the automatic driving permission time zone for each device by operating the operation receiving means 21 as described later. The information input by the operation accepting means 21 is given to the control means 23, and after the control means 8 converts it into an information structure that can recognize the automatic operation permission time zone for each device, the transmission / reception means 24 controls the control means 8. Sent to. Also, from the control means 8, past operation history information for each device is received by the transmission / reception means 24, and the information is given to the control means 23 and stored in the internal storage means. The operator can visually confirm the operation history information by the display means 22, and can set the automatic driving permission time zone while referring to the information.

  4 to 12 are examples of a screen configuration of the reservation unit 7, respectively. The automatic driving permission time zone setting method will be described below according to each drawing. Note that the screen and operation method of the reservation means 7 described below are merely examples, and are not limited thereto.

  4 to 8 are examples of the case where the reservation unit 7 is configured to be able to set the automatic operation permission time zone by a GUI (Graphical User Interface) method, and FIGS. 9 to 12 are cases of the non-GUI method. It is an example. In the case of a configuration based on the GUI method, the reservation unit 7 is assumed to be configured with a touch panel type liquid crystal monitor below, and the touch unit or the like is touched to a predetermined position on the monitor or moved while being in contact. It is assumed that processing instructions such as item selection and cancellation can be performed. In the case of a configuration using a non-GUI system, the reservation means 7 includes a controller having a plurality of operators composed of cross cursors and buttons, and an operator operates the controller to select or cancel items. This processing instruction can be performed.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a screen when setting weekdays and holidays using the reservation means 7. In the present embodiment, the description will be made on the assumption that the automatic operation permission time zone of the device can be set for each weekday holiday, but it may be configured to be set for each day of the week.

  In order to store the concept of weekdays and holidays in the reservation means 7, the operator first selects a “holiday setting” item from the “basic settings” item (screen S 1). Then, the day of the week corresponding to the holiday is selected and set from the holiday setting screen (screens S2 to S4). In the example of FIG. 4, when Sunday and public holidays are recognized as holidays as the initial setting (screen S2), if the operator's holiday is Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, Saturday is additionally set as a holiday. This shows the screen where the settings to be added are made. In this example, the concept of holiday is stored in the reservation means 7 by selecting the Saturday item with a touch pen or the like (screen S3) and selecting the setting button to confirm the setting content (screen S4). The contents may be stored in the storage means inside the control means 23.

  FIG. 5 is an example of a screen when the reservation unit 7 is used to set the automatic operation permission time zone of the device on weekdays. Hereinafter, the setting operation of the automatic operation permission time zone of the device is abbreviated as “schedule setting”. While daily behavior patterns differ greatly between weekdays and holidays, there are many cases where daily behavior patterns do not differ greatly between weekdays or holidays, so it is preferable that schedules can be set separately for weekdays and holidays in this way. . Hereinafter, a schedule set for each weekday and holiday is referred to as a “basic schedule”.

  First, the operator selects the “weekday basic schedule” item from the “basic setting” item in order to set the basic schedule on weekdays (screen S11). If the basic schedule for weekdays has already been registered, the registered schedule content is displayed (screen S12). If no schedule is registered, the blank schedule content is displayed. On the screen S12, automatic operation permission time zones set for the four devices of the washer / dryer, the living room air conditioner, the dishwasher, and the mobile phone charger are displayed in a mesh pattern. The method for changing the contents of the set schedule and for registering a new schedule is the same as the method for setting the schedule for each day, and will be described here.

  FIGS. 6 to 9 are examples of one screen when the schedule is set by day using the reservation unit 7. In the following, a description will be given of a method for changing the schedule set for each day under the state where the basic schedule setting for weekdays and holidays has already been performed.

  First, as shown in the screen S13 in FIG. 6, the calendar of the month to which the schedule is changed is displayed, and the target day is selected with a touch pen or the like. In the screen S13, January 31 is set as a schedule change target day. When January 31st is selected from the calendar, the schedule contents already registered on the day are displayed (screen S14). In the example of the screen S14, the contents of the basic schedule for weekdays already registered are displayed. In the upper part of the screen S14, the “weekday” item is selected in black to indicate that the day (January 31) is a weekday.

  Screens S15 and S16 in FIG. 7 are screen examples for changing a part of the basic schedule contents already registered on weekdays. An example is shown in which the automatic operation permission time zone of the living room air conditioner is changed (screen S16) from the already registered schedule content (screen S15). As shown in the screen S16, the period can be extended by dragging the already registered schedule period of the living room air conditioner with a touch pen or the like. In addition, by selecting the “Last week”, “Next week”, “Previous day”, and “Next day” buttons displayed on the upper right screen, you can move to the schedule change screen for the previous week, next week, previous day, and next day It is.

  Screen S17 of FIG. 8 shows an example of a screen for newly adding an automatic driving permission time zone. On the screen S17, a time from midnight to 3:00 am is newly added as the automatic operation permission time zone of the dishwasher. Similarly to the screen S16, a new automatic driving permission time zone can be registered by dragging the time zone to be registered with a touch pen or the like.

  Further, as shown in the screen S18 of FIG. 8, when the registered period is clicked with a touch pen or the like, a detailed set time is displayed, and the start time and end time of the automatic operation permission time zone are respectively set manually. It is configured to be changeable. Also, the registered period can be deleted by selecting the “schedule delete” button.

  FIGS. 9-12 is an example in case the reservation means 7 is comprised so that an automatic driving | operation permission time slot | zone can be set by a non-GUI system.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of a screen when setting weekdays and holidays using the reservation means 7. As in the case of FIG. 4, in order to store the concept of weekdays and holidays in the reservation means 7, the operator first selects a “holiday setting” item from the “basic settings” item (screen S 21). Then, the day of the week corresponding to the holiday is selected and set from the holiday setting screen (screens S22 to S24). In the example of FIG. 9, when Sunday and public holidays are recognized as holidays as an initial setting (screen S22), when the operator's holidays are Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, Saturday is additionally set as a holiday. This shows the screen where the settings to be added are made. In this example, the Saturday item is selected by the controller or the like (screen S23), and the setting concept is selected by selecting the setting button (screen S24), whereby the concept of holiday is stored in the reservation means 7. The contents may be stored in the storage means inside the control means 23.

  FIG. 10 is an example of a screen when the automatic operation permission time zone of the device on weekdays is set using the reservation unit 7. First, the operator selects the “weekday basic schedule” item from the “basic setting” item in order to set the basic schedule on weekdays (screen S25). If the basic schedule for weekdays has already been registered, the registered schedule content is displayed (screen S26). If no schedule is registered, the blank schedule content is displayed. On the screen S26, the automatic operation permission time zone set for the four devices of the washer / dryer, the living room air conditioner, the dishwasher, and the mobile phone charger is displayed in a mesh pattern. As in the case of the GUI method, the method for changing the set schedule contents and registering a new schedule is the same as the method for setting the schedule for each day, and will be described in the relevant section.

  FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are examples of a screen when the schedule is set for each day using the reservation unit 7. As in the case of the GUI system, a method for changing the schedule set for each day in a state where the basic schedule settings for weekdays and holidays are already set will be described below.

  First, as shown in the screen S27 of FIG. 11, the calendar of the month to which the schedule is changed is displayed, and the target day is selected by the controller or the like. In the screen S27, the calendar display is in a single-line display format, but it may be displayed in a normal calendar format as in the screen S13 in FIG. In the screen S27, January 31 is set as a schedule change target day. When January 31st is selected from the calendar, the schedule contents already registered on the day are displayed (screen S28). In the example of the screen S28, the contents of the basic schedule already registered on weekdays are displayed. In the upper portion of the screen S28, the “weekday” item is selected in black to indicate that the day (January 31) is a weekday.

  Screens S29 to S31 in FIG. 12 are screen examples when newly registering schedule contents. In the figure, an example of registering the washing and drying machine in the schedule content is shown. First, the “registration” button of the item of the washing and drying machine is selected (screen S29), and the automatic operation permission time zone is input (screen S30). In the example of the screen S30, a case where the automatic operation permission time zone is set from 0:00 to 6:00 is shown. After entering the permitted time period, the “set” button is entered to confirm the set contents and register them as new schedule contents (screen S31).

  Screens S32 to S34 are examples of screens when a part of the schedule contents already registered is changed. An example is shown in which the automatic operation permission time zone of the washing / drying machine is changed (screen S33) from the already registered schedule content (screen S32). As shown in the screen S33, the period can be extended and shortened by changing the start time and end time of the operation permission time zone of the already-registered washing and drying machine with a controller or the like. The screen S33 shows an example in which the registered operation permission time zone of “0 to 6 o'clock” is changed to “1 to 6 o'clock”. The contents thus changed are newly confirmed as schedule contents (screen S34). As with the GUI format, the schedule change screen for the last week, next week, previous day, and next day can be selected by selecting the “Last week”, “Next week”, “Previous day”, and “Next day” buttons displayed at the bottom of the screen. Can be moved to.

  Below, an example of the monitoring method of the surplus power monitoring means 6 is demonstrated. FIG. 13 shows the block diagram of FIG. 1 with information given to the surplus power monitoring means 6 and the information source added. The surplus power monitoring method described below is merely an example, and is not limited to this method.

  In the energy supply mode 2, the power consumption (hereinafter referred to as “third power”) consumed by the wattmeter 31, the electric heater 17 and the power load 3 that measures the generated power (hereinafter referred to as “first power”) of the distributed power source 12 is measured. And a flow meter 33 for measuring the flow rate of hot water flowing from the heat storage tank 15 to the thermal load 5. The power supplied from the power system 11 is hereinafter referred to as “second power”. In addition, the wattmeter 31 and the wattmeter 32 shall be comprised by the voltmeter which measures an alternating voltage, and the ammeter which measures an alternating current, for example, and the flowmeter 33 may be comprised by a flow sensor.

  The surplus power monitoring means 6 is provided with each indication value of the wattmeter 31, the wattmeter 32, and the flowmeter 33, and on / off information of the distributed power source 12 (information indicating whether power generation is being performed), respectively. Using these pieces of information, generation confirmation of surplus power is performed, and if it occurs, the magnitude of the surplus power is estimated. Specifically, a state where the generated power value P1 of the distributed power source 12 exceeds the power consumption value P3 is regarded as a surplus power generation state, and when it is determined that the state is under this state, the surplus power value Is calculated.

  When the thermal load 5 exists under this surplus power generation state, the thermal load is covered by the thermal energy generated by the distributed power source 12, but the surplus power exceeding the power consumption P3 is allowed to flow backward to the power system 11. In the grid-connected state, the electric heater 17 in the heat storage tank 15 is forcibly energized, and the hot water stored in the heat storage tank 15 is heated by being consumed in the electric heater 17. Since the heating efficiency by the electric heater 17 is lower than the heating efficiency of the thermal energy generated by the distributed power source 12, the energy saving effect is impaired.

  For this reason, the surplus power monitoring means 6 compares the instruction value P1 of the wattmeter 31 and the instruction value P3 of the wattmeter 32 to determine whether the energy supply mode 2 is in a surplus power generation state. It is detected by whether or not> α. When P3−P1> α, it is determined that the energy supply form 2 is in the second state, and the difference value is set as a surplus power value. If α is set to 0, the electric heater 17 operates simultaneously with the generation of surplus power (P1-P3), but a reverse power flow state may occur instantaneously. Α may be a negative value to prevent reverse power flow even momentarily, and α may be a positive value when a certain amount of reverse power flow is allowed. Further, the wattmeter 31 and the wattmeter 32 may be shared as one wattmeter.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the surplus power monitoring method performed by the surplus power monitoring means 6 described above.

  The surplus power monitoring means 6 gives the first power value P1 from the wattmeter 31, the third power value P3 from the wattmeter 32, the flow value F from the flowmeter 33, and the on / off information from the distributed power source 12 every predetermined time. (Step # 1). Each measurement value may be given every predetermined time from the measurement unit, or the surplus power monitoring unit 6 may read the measurement value from each measurement unit every predetermined time. Absent.

  The surplus power monitoring means 6 first determines whether or not there is a thermal load by reading the flow value F given from the flow meter 33 (step # 2). If there is no thermal load (No in step # 2), the process waits until information from each measuring means is input again. If there is a thermal load (Yes in step # 2), it is further determined whether or not the distributed power source 12 is in a power generation state. The determination as to whether or not there is a thermal load may be made based on whether or not the flow value given from the flow meter 33 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

  The surplus power monitoring means 6 determines whether or not the distributed power source 12 is in a power generation state at that time based on the on / off information given from the distributed power source 12 (step # 3). At this time, when the distributed power source 12 is in the power generation state (Yes in Step # 3), the first power value P1 given from the wattmeter 31 and the third power value P3 given from the wattmeter 32 When the difference is calculated (step # 4) and this value is larger than the above α (Yes in step # 4), the calculated value is given to the control means 8 as the first information (step # 5). If it is less than or equal to α (No in step # 4), it waits until information from each measuring means is input again. Even when the distributed power supply 12 is in a stopped state (No in step # 3), the process waits until information from each measuring means is input again.

  Note that the process of step # 3 for determining whether or not the distributed power source 12 is in the power generation state is determined based on whether or not the first power value P1 provided from the wattmeter 31 is greater than a predetermined value β (for example, 0 W). It does not matter as a configuration. That is, when P1> β, it may be determined that the distributed power source 12 is in a power generation state, and when P1 ≦ β, it may be determined that the distributed power source 12 is in a stopped state. In this case, the distributed power source 12 may not necessarily be configured to provide on / off information to the surplus power monitoring unit 6.

  Hereinafter, another embodiment of the system of the present invention will be described.

  In the above description, the operation is instructed to be instructed to the stopped device. However, for example, control may be performed to change the power consumption by changing the output to the device in operation. Absent. For example, in the case of an air conditioner, control for changing the set temperature and the set air volume is applicable. In this case, the power consumption may be stored in advance in the storage means in the control means 8 in accordance with the change in the set temperature or the set air volume (the set temperature is raised by 1 ° C. and the set air volume is increased by one step). .

  In addition, even if the control target device has made a reservation for driving, if it is found that the device is incapable of driving during the target time zone, the device may perform control to stop driving. For example, even a washing machine for which a driving reservation has been made may not be operated when the lid of the washing machine is open or when the faucet is closed.

  For each device, when an operation instruction is given by the control means 8, an operation time (hereinafter referred to as "automatic operation time") performed based on the instruction is determined in advance. When the time elapses, the state may be automatically shifted to a state before the driving instruction is given. That is, for example, when the living room air conditioner is set to have an automatic operation time of 1 hour during the cooling operation, the operation is started based on the operation instruction from the control means 8 and then automatically stops after 1 hour. It can be a transition to a state. Such information regarding the automatic operation time may be registered in the data table shown in FIG.

  Further, the operation state of the equipment including the operation other than the operation by the remote control from the control means 8 is sent to the control means 8, and the operation state is stored in the storage means in the control means 8 and is operated by the reservation means 7. It is good also as a structure which can be visually confirmed for a person. By doing so, it is possible to recognize the driving tendency of which time each device is operated, and it can be used as a reference when the reservation means 7 makes an operation reservation.

  The surplus power monitoring means 6 and the control means 8 are implemented as, for example, software incorporated in the control hardware of the distributed power source, and the reservation means 7 is dedicated hardware with dedicated software installed therein. (For example, a controller having a liquid crystal display screen) may be installed on a wall surface of an energy consumer's home, for example.

The block diagram which shows schematic structure of this invention system, and schematic structure of the energy supply form which is the introduction assumption object of this invention system Data table showing an example of a remotely controllable device list registered in the control means The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the reservation means 7 Example of a screen when setting weekdays and holidays using the reservation means 7 Example of a screen when setting a weekday basic schedule using the reservation means 7 Example of a screen when setting schedules by day using the reservation means 7 Another screen example when setting schedule by day using reservation means 7 Still another screen example when setting schedule by day using the reservation means 7 Another screen example when setting weekdays and holidays using the reservation means 7 Another screen example when setting the weekday basic schedule using the reservation means 7 Still another screen example when setting schedule by day using the reservation means 7 Still another screen example when setting schedule by day using the reservation means 7 The block diagram which shows schematic structure of this invention system, and schematic structure of the energy supply form which is the introduction assumption object of this invention system The flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the surplus power monitoring method performed by the surplus power monitoring means 6.

Explanation of symbols

1: Invention system 2: Energy supply mode 3: Electric power load 3a, 3b, ...: Electric equipment 4: Gas consuming equipment 5: Thermal load 5a: Hot water supply load 5b: Heating load 6: Surplus power monitoring means 7: Reservation Means 8: Control means 11: Power system 12: Distributed power supply 13: Gas system 14: Heat exchanger 15: Heat storage tank 16: Burner 17: Electric heater 21: Operation receiving means 22: Display means 23: Control means 24: Transmission / reception Means 31: Wattmeter 32: Wattmeter 33: Flow meter

Claims (6)

An energy saving support system that has a cogeneration and distributed power generation system and provides energy saving support to an energy consumer who is supplied with power from outside,
Surplus power monitoring means for monitoring the presence of surplus power in the power generated by the distributed power generation system;
Control means for controlling the operation of electrical equipment via a telecommunication line;
Reservation means capable of setting an automatic operation permission time zone or an automatic operation non-permission time zone of the electrical equipment by an operator, and
The control means is
When the surplus power exists, first information on the magnitude of the surplus power is given from the surplus power monitoring means, and the automatic operation permission time zone or the automatic operation disapproval time set by the operator Second information on a belt is given from the reservation means, and based on the time when the surplus power is confirmed, the first information, and the second information, an operation instruction is given to the electric device. A featured energy-saving support system.   2. The saving according to claim 1, wherein the reservation unit is configured to be able to individually set the automatic driving permission time zone or the automatic driving disapproval time zone for each of the plurality of electric devices. Energy support system.   The said reservation means is comprised so that the said automatic driving permission time zone or the said automatic driving non-permission time zone can be set for every day, every day of the week, or every weekday / holiday. Energy-saving support system described in 1.   The said reservation means is comprised so that the past driving | operation instruction | history history performed with respect to the said electric equipment by the said control means can be displayed, The any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Energy saving support system. The control means is
Storing the second information given by the reservation means, and the power consumption value of the electrical equipment that can be controlled by the control means;
When the first information is given by the surplus power monitoring means, the second information is read to select the electric device that can be operated at the time when the surplus power is confirmed, and the selected electric power is further selected. 5. The operation instruction is given to the electrical equipment in which the power consumption does not exceed the amount of the surplus power described in the first information. 5. The energy saving support system according to Item 1.   The energy saving support system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit stores a past driving instruction history given to the electric device.